Heritage Consulting and Planning Services for Historic Buildings
Effective and Affordable
What we do
The Heritage Corp. deals with all matters regarding Heritage in Planning, helping you gain Listed Building Consent or Planning Permission for existing historic buildings or new development in historic context. Primarily, this involves the production of Heritage Statements to inform design work and comply with validation requirements, although we offer a full range of services from an initial site appraisal to help with appeals and inquiries.
How we can help
Whether you own or are thinking of acquiring a historic building, or a building or land sensitive to heritage impact, we offer a full and bespoke service with regard to planning matters.
Documentation is prepared in line with both National and Local Planning Policy and Legislation, with adherence to Historic England guidance. Given our background in Local Government, we are well equipped to help you navigate the requirements of Planning Authorities across England. Working remotely allows us to tender services nationally, with site visits available around Greater London and surrounding areas, particularly Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
What we work with
The types of Heritage Assets we most commonly deal with are outlined below. You will also find a short description of the constraints involved when dealing with each asset typology.
Listed Buildings
Buildings included on the Statutory List maintained by Historic England are afforded great protection, as enshrined in both national and local planning policy. This is due to their exceptional, nationally recognised heritage significance. They can be listed at Grade II, II* and I, in line with criteria devised by the listing body.
Any alterations affecting their special architectural or historic interest will require Listed Building Consent, and some works may also requite Planning Permission. It must be noted that both the interior and the exterior of a Listed Building is safeguarded in this way, as is their curtilage. This may include certain ancillary buildings, landscaping, etc.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas are designated by Local Planning authorities and exist to manage and protect the special architectural interest of a place. To ensure new development doesn't cause detriment, they include extra planning controls and considerations, in some cases involving the use of Article 4 directions to remove national permitted development rights.
In line with legislation, local planning authorities must pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area. Usually, only the external appearance of Conservation Areas is protected through the planning system. This will include the exterior of buildings, but may also encompass elements such as landscaping, boundary treatments, etc.
Non-Designated Assets
Non-designated heritage assets are buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of their heritage interest, but which do not meet the criteria for formal designation. They can be locally listed or simply recognised as possessing some interest by planners.
Policy states that in weighing applications that directly or indirectly affect non-designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. Usually, only the exterior of non-designated heritage sites is protected through planning.
